One of Andalusia’s hidden gems is without a doubt Almeria. The city of Almeria often flies under the radar compared to cities like Malaga, Seville, and Granada. The province itself features a stunning coastline, unique desert landscapes, and a vibrant culture that should be experienced in person. Whether you’re interested in savoring fresh seafood and delicious tapas, or you want to explore this historic city on foot, there are a lot of incredible things to do in Almeria for first time visitors.
Almeria boasts a fascinating history that’s been shaped by centuries of diverse cultures. In the 10th century, the city grew in importance under Muslim rule, when its port became one of the most significant in the Mediterranean. Their legacy can still be seen today, through places such as the Alcazaba, which is one of the largest Moorish citadels in Spain.
After the Moors, Christian and modern influences layered over the city, making Almeria a very unique destination with a rich mixture of traditions, culture, and architecture. You won’t find yourself short of things to do in Almeria, however long you choose to spend time in the city.
Parking in Almeria city centre
Almeria’s city centre is very walkable, and there are several underground parking garages to choose from. Our accommodation was near the port, so for us, the best option was Parking CLUBÖ Calle Real. If you have a large vehicle, you may find the turns very narrow while driving up to the higher floors though. This parking garage is open for 24 hours though, so you can come and go as you please.
Best things to do in Almeria
Almeria Cathedral
Built in the 16th century, Almeria Cathedral is one of the most well-known cathedrals in Andalusia. This is down to its fortress-like design that made it into a useful stronghold against pirate raids, alongside being a place of worship. Inside, visitors will find intricate choir stalls, an ornate altarpiece, and beautiful detailed chapels. Entry costs €7.00 for adults and includes access to a small museum as well as the cloisters.
Visiting Almeria Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Almeria, so it can get quite busy at times. To avoid the crowds, visit near opening time so you can enjoy the quietude of the cathedral almost all to yourself. Don’t forget to admire the palm tree-filled plaza outside too, which is the perfect place to take some photos and see the scale of the cathedral up close.
Travel tip: If you’re looking for rooftop bars in Almeria, Hotel Catedral Almeria offers one of the best views of the cathedral in the city. You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to access it either.
Admire the medieval city walls
Stretching out of the Alcazaba are the city walls of Almeria. These fortified walls were originally constructed in the 10th century when the city was under Moorish rule. They now stand as a symbol of the fortresses’ strategic importance along the trade routes in the Mediterranean. There are a few ways you can admire Almeria’s medieval city walls.
The first is from the Alcazaba itself, which is free to access for EU citizens. The second is from the top of Cerro San Cristobal where many people go at sunset to admire the views of the Alcazaba. And the third is from the base of the walls, in the Mediterranean Gardens of La Hoya. There isn’t much to see or do in the gardens besides look at the city walls though.
Alcazaba de Almeria
One of the best things to do in Almeria is to explore the Alcazaba de Almeria. This medieval fortress is the city’s most iconic landmark, dating back to the 10th century. Although the fortress once housed soldiers, it also had gardens, palaces, and a mosque within its walls. Over time, the Alcazaba has been expanded on by its rulers, and it was later adapted by Christian forces following the period of reconquest.
Today, the fortress is a fascinating combination of Moorish and Christian architecture, and it has a beautifully restored garden inside it, which was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You can also enjoy incredible panoramic views from the walls of the fortress.
Entrance to the Alcazaba de Almeria is free for EU citizens, and there’s just a small entry fee of €1.50 for non-EU visitors. This makes it a very affordable attraction in Almeria for everyone. Just make sure you bring water with you, since there’s little shade in the fortress grounds.
Plaza Vieja
Plaza Vieja is the main historic square in Almeria, and it’s been the heart of the city for many centuries. Also known as Plaza de la Constitucion, it’s surrounded by 19th century arcaded buildings and palm trees. This was originally the site of markets and public gatherings, and in the centre you’ll find a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives fighting for Spanish independence in the 19th century.
Today, there are events and concerts taking place in Plaza Vieja throughout the year. You can also enjoy the ancient baths inside the AIRE Hotel if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Almeria.
Visit the Central Market
The best place to experience Almeria’s food culture is at the Central Market. It was built in 1892 and reflects late 19th century modernist market trends that can be found throughout Spain. Inside the market you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and local meats to cheese and seasonal fruits grown in the Almeria region. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything from the market, I’d highly recommend taking a walk through the building so you can soak up the atmosphere and admire the fresh food stalls.
Museum of Almeria
If you’re on the hunt for free things to do in Almeria, look no further than the Museum of Almeria. This museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in Andalusia. It’s especially known for its collections from prehistoric cultures, dating back to the Copper and Bronze Ages. The museum also showcases Roman, Muslim, and Christian artifacts to help give visitors a complete overview of Almeria’s history. There are often temporary exhibitions taking place on the ground floor too, which you’ll be informed about when you enter the museum.
Take a photo with John Lennon
Did you know John Lennon has ties to Almeria? Not many people outside of Almeria know that he spent time in the city in 1966. This was when he wrote much of the song Strawberry Fields Forever. The city built a life-sized bronze statue of Lennon to honour his time here, and it quickly became one of Almeria’s most photographed attractions. If you want to learn more about Lennon’s connection to Almeria, I’d recommend joining a walking tour that highlights spots linked to his stay.
Walk along La Rambla
The city’s main boulevard is known as La Rambla. It wasn’t developed until the 20th century, as the city started to expand beyond its medieval core. La Rambla stretches from the train station towards the port area, and it’s lined with sculptures, fountains, and gardens. It’s a lovely place to take a stroll while working through your list of things to do in Almeria.
Today, people can enjoy the countless cafes and shops located here. In August, La Rambla is also one of the locations of La Feria de Almeria, so you’ll find it even more vibrant than usual, with plenty of stalls set up and cultural events taking place.
Shop local
A great way to experience an authentic side of Almeria is to shop local. Yes, there are a few souvenir shops located in the old town, but I’d recommend focusing on artisan shops instead. These shops sell everything from handmade ceramics to leather goods and locally designed clothing. You’ll often find products in Almeria that you won’t come across anywhere else in Spain, especially when local markets and festivals are taking place.
One store that I’d highly recommend taking a look at is Co-Shopping Almeria where you can find plenty of handmade products. The shop sits very close to Plaza Viejas so it’s easy to locate.
El Cable Ingles
One of the most unusual things to do in Almeria is to walk along El Cable Ingles. This structure was built in 1904 by a British mining company, and it was used to load iron ore from trains directly onto ships. The design reflects the engineering genius that came during the Industrial Revolution. Due to its architectural and historical significance, El Cable Ingles has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site.
Since the tracks are no longer in use, visitors have the opportunity to walk along its length for free. This is a great thing to do near sunset, and you’ll often see people using it as a running track too. For the best angle of El Cable Ingles, head down to the port area or the Paseo Maritimo.
Stroll along the Paseo Maritimo
Another example of the many free things to do in Almeria is walking along Paseo Maritimo. Almeria’s waterfront stretches for several kilometres, and it’s flanked by palm trees and sandy beaches, as well as bars and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to come for a leisurely stroll or an evening bike ride. The promenade connects many of Almeria’s urban beaches which are popular with locals and visitors.
La Feria de Almeria
Held every year at the end of August, La Feria de Almeria is the biggest annual celebration in the city. The festival has roots dating back centuries, combining modern-day fun with religious traditions. Events such as horse parades, food stalls, flamenco performances, and a lively fairground are just some of the things you can expect to see in Almeria in August. A big highlight is the midday feria, which is when the city centre fills with dancing, music, and locals dressed in traditional Andalusian attire.
If you’re planning to visit Almeria in August, make sure you plan ahead. The city gets very busy during the feria, and hotel prices rise significantly. However, it really is the perfect time to see the city and immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of Almeria.
Enjoy the sunset views from San Cristobal Hill
There are a lot of nice viewpoints in Almeria to enjoy. One of my favourite options is from the top of San Cristobal Hill. From here you get the best vantage point of the fortress, as well as sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean. This area was once a key strategic lookout in terms of Almeria’s defensive system, but today it remains a quiet spot for people to soak up the views and the city’s history. It’s especially pretty at sunset.
Places to eat in Almeria city centre
Craft Coffee
Before embarking on your list of things to do in Almeria, you’ll want to have a good breakfast. Craft Coffee is a great spot for breakfast in Almeria, located in the heart of the old town. This specialty coffee shop boasts a modern, relaxed vibe, with a menu that reflects a casual dining experience. As well as high-quality coffees, visitors can enjoy a great selection of pastries and light food. We chose to share their acai bowl as well as a couple of toasts to go with our drinks, and this filled us until lunch.
Cream
A very unique place to eat and drink in Almeria is Cream. This cafe doubles as a cocktail bar in the evening, and they serve fresh cookies throughout the day as well. Their breakfast menu has some incredible brioche breakfast sandwich options that are sure to fill you up for a few hours. If you visit in the afternoon or evening, you can expect freshly prepared coffees, cookies, and a quirky cocktail menu to order from. Whatever time of the day you visit Cream, I guarantee you’ll enjoy your time here.
Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar
In the centre of Almeria, around the corner from Plaza Vieja, sits Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar. This restaurant in Almeria is known for its high-quality sushi as well as their hot dishes of noodles and tasty appetizers. It’s a modern dining experience, and the presentation is sprinkled with stylish Japanese touches. Sibuya is a go-to restaurant for those seeking Japanese food, though expect to pay higher than usual prices due to the quality of the food. When we visited in August, they even had feria-themed cocktails available.
Why Not Burgers
Also located near Plaza Vieja is Why Not Burgers. This is a great place to eat in Almeria if you’re looking for delicious smash burgers. You’ll find a good mixture of classic burgers and more unique concoctions here, and you can pair your burger with fries or another type of side dish. This restaurant is very casual, so you don’t need to book to dine here. Service is very quick too, making it ideal if you’re on the go and still need to work your way through your list of things to do in Almeria in a short amount of time.
Industrial Coffee
Located along one of the main shopping streets in Almeria is Industrial Coffee. When we visited there was a lot of work taking place to make the street pedestrianized, so it was a little tricky finding the entrance. This cafe in Almeria is known for having a good breakfast menu, but we only came for coffee and an iced matcha latte. Due to its central location, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and their rating is very high too which is a good sign. If you enjoy specialty coffee, make sure you try Industrial Coffee.
Where to stay in the heart of Almeria
Dream Vacation at Casa Vicki
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Almeria or you want to enjoy the city for longer, staying somewhere that’s central is important. We spent a couple of nights at Dream Vacation at Casa Vicki – a stylish holiday home located in the heart of the old town. It’s ideally situated only a short walk from many of the best things to do in Almeria, such as the cathedral and Alcazaba. This means you can easily explore everything the city has to offer without venturing too far from your accommodation.
Casa Vicki is part of a “whole house” rental model, meaning the house isn’t shared with other people. It features three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. This makes it suitable for up to six guests, with one of the bedrooms having an ensuite bathroom. All of the bedrooms are very spacious, with plenty of storage space and fans on the ceiling to keep you cool. There’s also air conditioning units placed throughout the house.
The owner, who you’ll meet at check-in, lives in the upper part of the building, but those quarters are kept separate from the rest of the house. Guests will enjoy a lovely selection of cheeses and a bottle of wine at check-in too, which is a nice way to start your stay in Almeria.
On the upper floor is where you’ll find one of the bathrooms, as well as the kitchen, and the living/dining room. The living room doubles as a movie-theatre thanks to the home theatre space, so you can enjoy movie nights after a tiring day of walking around the city. The dining room is designed to seat your whole group comfortably, and a fully-equipped kitchen means you can self-cater if you want to.
In terms of outdoor space, although the house is in the centre of the old town, there’s still a nice-sized terrace to enjoy. There’s plenty of places to sit on the terrace, and this is where you’ll find the house’s laundry amenities.
We found Casa Vicki to be the perfect place to relax in Almeria. As we stayed here during the fair in August, it was also nice to be able to have somewhere to come back to that wasn’t too far away from both the main attractions and the areas where the fair was set up. Even if you aren’t travelling with a larger group, it’s worth considering Casa Vicki as your home away from home.
Is Almeria worth visiting?
While it may not get the same recognition as cities like Seville and Granada, Almeria is definitely worth adding to your Spain travel plans. It’s a city with a deep-rooted history, and one that’s also perfect if you want an authentic Andalusian experience. From its dramatic medieval fortress to the vibrant food scene and modern cultural attractions, there are a lot of things to do in Almeria for everyone. Just remember that in the summer months Almeria can be excruciatingly hot, so pack appropriately and have lots of water on hand.
If you have any questions about things to do in Almeria throughout the year, or you think something else should be added to this list, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. And don’t forget to follow along with my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok too.
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